Nurse Killed In Vegas Shooting - What We Know And How You Can Help

On Monday morning as most of the world awoke to news of the deadly mass shooting in Las Vegas - area medical staff and first responders had already been working tirelessly to save the lives of the over 400 injured.

In the wake of the mass shooting that took place in Las Vegas on Oct. 1 -  we’d like to acknowledge the medical staff, police officers, first responders and everyday civilians who put the lives of others before their own. It is with a heavy heart that we report the loss of Registered Nurse, Sonny Melton, 29, of Tennessee who died protecting his wife. 

 

^{Sonny Melton, 29, (right) Heather Melton (left)} 

According to a statement by his employer, Henry County Medical Center in Paris, TN, Sonny Melton worked in the ER and ICU. Heather Melton M.D, is an Orthopaedic Surgeon at the facility - Sonny was shot in the back as he was running, protecting his wife from bullets. 

Mrs. Melton told a local news station about her husband's heroism. "He saved my life. He grabbed me and started running when I felt him get shot in the back," she told WSMV. "I want everyone to know what a kindhearted, loving man he was, but at this point, I can barely breathe."

The couple was celebrating their one-year wedding anniversary at the festival. 

What We Know 

The mass shooting that took place in Las Vegas on Oct. 1 at the Route 91 Harvest Festival is a tragic event and our nation is struggling to cope. 

The shooter has been identified by police as Stephen Paddock, 64, a retiree from Mesquite, NV. According to reports, he checked into a suite on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas. On Sunday, he broke the hotel’s window with a hammer and opened fire onto festival goers. Police found the gunman dead in his room surrounded by 19 rifles. So far, 58 people have died and over 400 were injured. 

^{Stephen Paddock, 64 (image via New York Post)}

Apparently, ISIS has claimed responsibility for the massacre and stated that Stephen Paddock was one of their soldiers. So far, no supporting evidence has been revealed to back this claim. According to Paddock’s brother, Eric Paddock, this type of behavior was completely out of character, he said that his brother was “not an avid gun guy at all. He has no military background or anything like that. He’s a guy who lived in a house in Mesquite and drove down and gambled in Las Vegas.” he added. 

Vegas Hospitals - Desperate For Blood

We have been in touch with Alex Falco in Las Vegas. She was called into work late last night to help in the emergency department. Upon arriving to work, she was transferred to another hospital to help. Many of her colleagues have been working for over 18 hours - frantically trying to save lives. Local area blood banks are asking for blood donations, especially type O positive and O negative. 

“The Las Vegas community has really come together to support all those affected by the tragedy. My heart goes out to every single person who has been affected. I am sending love, prayers and healing to everyone involved. Special thanks to Metro Police Department.” Alex said. 

This photo was shared on Facebook by Buzzedvegas - it depicts the floor of Sunrise Hospital covered in blood from victims of the mass shooting. Nurses work diligently to save the lives of victims of the shooting and those trampled in the stampede. 

 

We’ve received reports that the blood bank listed in the photo caption above is closed, you can find blood clinics to donate to locally here. Or, if you are from out of state, the American Red Cross will ship blood to Vegas. 

 

 

How To Help

Blood Donation Sites In Nevada

Carson City United Blood Services 256 E. Winnie Lane Carson City, NV 89706 (775) 887-9111	Henderson United Blood Services 601 Whitney Ranch Dr. Bldg. D, Ste 20 Henderson, NV 89014 (702) 434-1838
Las Vegas United Blood Services 4950 W. Craig Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89130 (702) 645-3600	Las Vegas United Blood Services 6930 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89117 (702) 228-4483
Reno United Blood Services 1125 Terminal Way Reno, NV 89502 (775) 324-6454	Sparks United Blood Services 4670 Sparks Blvd, Suite 100 Sparks, NV 89436 (775) 354-2929

 

Authorities are reporting that lines to donate blood are long however, you can make a reservation and still help. 

 

Donate Blood outside of Nevada: The American Red Cross will ship blood to Las Vegas as needed. Find a donation center here by entering your zip code. 

 The Mandalay Bay Hotel is requesting trained Trauma Counselors to help survivors cope. 

 

Donate to the Gofundme created by Steve Sisolak, Clark County Commission Chair from Las Vegas to help the victims and those affected. Funds will be used to provide relief and financial support to the victims and families of the horrific Las Vegas mass shooting.  

The Las Vegas Police Department has established phone number and resources for families looking for loved ones.  

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.